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RW's Kaleidoscope & other arts shows for kids

Salt Lake is not only a Mecca of arts options for adults, but we really are fortunate to have arts programs that are great for all ages! Here are a few highlights in the next few weeks for the kids:

Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company's Kaleidoscope -

At the beginning of each year, Ririe Woodbury Dance Company does a special show designed specifically for younger audience members, but it really brings out the child in audience members of all ages.

As Joan Woodbury puts it, "Kaleidoscope is bursting with all of the magic and theatricality that we all hope to experience and for our children to see. It is alive, fanciful and stirs the imagination like no other theater experience you will ever see. The wonders of the genius of magician/choreographer Alwin Nikolais are at work making sure that you get to see it. Along with bringing back some of Nikolais' masterpieces—giant white elastics cutting through space, incredible stretching forms molding and changing, disc footed creatures surprising you with their dexterity and rhythms—we are also presenting, totally new for Salt Lake City, a reconstruction of "Gallery" Nikolais' venture into the world of carnival, fun houses, haunted houses, and the aura of a shooting gallery. Ghosts cavort, conveyor belt figures wheel in delight, angles float and dangle. This is an extravaganza that no one should miss. Families will love coming to the theater together, and experiencing the total delight of the wizardry of the work of Alwin Nikolais."

In addition to the public performances, Kaleidoscope will be performed 5 times for a theater full of elementary school students that are attending the show free of charge, as part of the dance company's extensive education programs. The show will also be performed for an audience of all ages on Feb. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. Kaleidoscope will be at the Capitol Theatre, 50 West 200 South. More information is available at: ririewoodbury.com/performances/kaleidoscope.

Ring Around the Rose

Ring Around the Rose is Repertory Dance Theatre's "wiggle-friendly series of performances for children and families that explores the magical world of the arts, including dance, theatre, music and storytelling." Tickets are only $5 and kids two and under are free. Tickets are available through ArtTix.orgor 801-355-Arts. Ring Around the Rose has two events coming up that are definitely worth checking out:

Jason Linsley in "Cinderella." Photo by Ryan Galbraith

Ballet West | January 14, 2012 | 11am-Noon | Jeanné Wagner Theatre

What is it really like to be a ballet dancer? Ballet West shows you in their one hour interactive show for kids. The first part of the show is an introduction to ballet everything from how to warm up to common ballet pantomime moves the kids will see in a ballet. The second part of the show is a condensed version of a popular show or story like Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella. As with all Ring shows, there is an audience participation element to the show that gives the audience a hands on view. For more info visit www.balletwest.org

Samba Fogo | Photographer Christopher Peddecord

Samba Fogo | February 11, 2012 | 11am- Noon | Black Box Theatre

Learn all about Brazilian dances and rhythms with the dancers of Samba Fogo! This show has live drums and any kid that wants to come on stage with the dancers can participate and learn a Brazilian dance. This show is very popular, and with the smaller theatre tickets will sell out day of show. For more info visit www.sambafogo.com

The Children's Theatre presents The Journey of Johnny Appleseed

Starting on Jan. 13, The Journey of Johnny Appleseed opens at The Children's Theatre for audiences 4 years and older. What a great opportunity to share the story of this American legend with your little ones. The show runs through Feb. 4, and more information is available at: www.tctheatre.org

Jennifer Streiff-Hickman is an advisory board member for Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Studio D, and Vivace and is an arts contributor to Salt Lake magazine.